Scope of Practice by State

It seems doctors and medical office managers still don’t clearly understand what medical assistants can and cannot do… we have heard about medical assistants and even front desk staff administering Botox injections. And so the confusion about the medical assistant’s scope of practice continues.

As seen in the news: [Sep 9, 2009 09:17 PM, ABC 13 Action News] “Nevada Board of Medical Examiners finds under-qualified medical staff administering drugs… The Nevada Board of Medical Examiners has found many physicians in Nevada are allowing medical assistants to illegally administer certain drugs, including Botox. Betty Guerra, a 45 year old medical assistant was accused of unlawfully administering cosmetic injections. – See more at: http://medicalspamd.com/the-blog/2009/11/4/medical-assistants-can-not-inject-botox.html#sthash.uDrY7N8e.dpuf”

While laws and opinions differ, there are many states that allow medical assistants to administer injections, from flu shots, allergens, Vitamin B12, to Botox. Medical assistants can give shots as long as they are under the direct supervision of a physician. The State Medical Board of Maine worded it this way:

Ξ MaineThe Board of Licensure in Medicine of Maine has ruled that physicians are accountable for the actions of unlicensed assistants employed by the physician who do not fall under the Board’s jurisdiction when they perform any invasive procedure, including the administration of injections. The terms “under the direct control” and “in the immediate presence,” as stated in 32 M.R.S.A. §3270-A, shall mean the physician must be in reasonable proximity to lend medical assistance to a patient should something adverse happen. Also, physicians, pursuant to 32 M.R.S.A. §3270-A are accountable for the activities of unlicensed assistants employed by them. This policy shall be mailed to all licensed physicians practicing in the State of Maine.

When in doubt about any procedures, rules and regulations one should always check with their State Board of Medical Examiners, Health Department, Nursing Board and national professional membership and certification bodies for medical assistants.

♦ AAMA Role Delineation StudyAAMA Library and Form CenterScroll down to “About the Profession” AAMA Role Delineation Study, then look for “Occupational Analysis of the Medical Assisting Profession”

Read previous post:

How must Doctors supervise Medical Assistants? Your primary purpose as a medical assistant is to facilitate the smooth and efficient operation of the front and back areas of a medical practice, health...